Spring Plate, round 2

Hey Guys,

OK, check me on this....


The idea is that the spring mounting "stud" will be a 1/2" bolt, grade 8. The part the bolt is going through is a piece of thick walled steam pipe welded to the spring plate. The "spacer" in the pic is a 1/2" ID 5/8" OD piece of DOM. This spacer allows the bolt to be torqued to spec (110 ft/lb.) without crushing the snot out of the rubber shock eye. With a shear strength of over 17K lbs, I figger I should be good to go.

How does this look to you guys?

 

umm....
better re-check that torque value
I have never seen shocks torqued to 110 ft lbs
...or U-bolts either for that matter
about 40-50 sounds about right

 

on 2nd thought, maybe I misread your post
this would allow you to over torque if you so desired, without distorting the eye bushings, correct?

 

Correct. The spacer prevents crushing the shock eye bushings....

 

I don't believe the sleeve thru the shock eye is a good idea unless you make it a specific size to allow for a certain amount of compression, simply cause it does not allow for wear in the rubber or urethane in the shock. Shock nuts are usually locking style, oh and don't forget to use a fine thread bolt (stronger). You also need a large washer between the shock and the spring plate on this bolt and a washer on the outside to.

I should just start making the shock eye studs and let you guys buy them to make your own spring plates.

 

Do you mean to allow the urethane to compress side to side a bit? That shouldn't be too hard, and I can always reduce the length some as needed....

Yeah, but that takes some of the fun outta it for me! (I do appreciate the offer though...)

As you mentioned, I am going to put large washers on each side of the shock eye, and was going to use a metal lock nut. Just didn't mention it.
I figgered that this design would allow me to change the shock "mount" easily and cheaply, and without having to take it loose from the springs....

Thanks for the input!

 

I used a 5/8" bolt and left enough of the unthreaded portion of the bolt sticking out to act as a compression stop. Photos here.

That's a good idea to make them easy to change. Mine would have to be drilled out and a new bolt welded in. They are up a bit higher than normal, but rocks get everywhere.